At age 75, Reverend Howard Cilento and his wife Michele did not envision themselves pastoring at Ashland Wesleyan Church in Pennsylvania. In fact, they had intended to retire after their previous assignment. However, when Western Pennsylvania District Superintendent (DS) Randy Swink brought the Cilentos out to Ashland and their feet hit the pavement, they knew it was going to be home.
After the merger of Western Pennsylvania and Central New York districts, the new DS Matthew Pickering encouraged the Cilentos to focus on “what could be” versus “what currently is,” and this helped bring awareness of what was possible not only to the Cilentos, but also some of the leadership of the church as well. Rev. Cilento reflected on that transition time: “God did not call me to close a church, but to revitalize his church, with his help, for the kingdom.”
Rev. Cilento started with about 35 people at Ashland, but soon lost many of those to another local, more youthful church plant. Rolling into the COVID pandemic, attendance was down to about a dozen before they were forced to meet virtually like many other churches. Rather than giving up and closing their doors, Rev. Cilento figured out new-to-him technology to stay connected with the Ashland congregation via live streaming, which helped Ashland overcome the natural geographical challenges that it faces. Placed in the middle of a rural area, most people must drive several miles and minutes. Many local people did not know that the church was there, but the pandemic live stream helped get the word out that they existed. When the doors of the church reopened, they began to run nearly 50 people.
Part of Ashland’s revitalization story centers around a new mission and vision. Rev. Cilento acknowledged that it was initially a lot for the church to take in, but the leadership began to come together to pray through mission statements. “I have by far the best leadership team,” Rev. Cilento stated proudly. “They are a praying bunch.” Together, they arrived with the mission of “One Purpose,” referencing the mission given by Jesus to his disciples to go and make more disciples. “One Purpose” is now on the building, the pens, signs and on business cards. Everyone in the church now knows that they exist for one purpose: to make disciples.
Not only did the language about the church’s mission change, but new ministries began to emerge. Men’s and women’s ministry, previously seen as just a simple gathering, now became viewed as ministry opportunities for inviting friends and coworkers. Both have grown substantially, with people coming to study the Bible, spend time praying together and share food.
As Rev. Cilento says it, “They come together for physical and spiritual food. They are hungry for God’s truth.” To him, the desire for God’s truth seems to be growing in the congregation every week.
In addition to men’s and women’s ministries, Ashland put on its first VBS in at least a decade this summer (2025). While some in the congregation were initially concerned about the possible condition of the church after having several children and teens run through it for a week, most began to realize what God could do.
Many men from the men’s ministry were excited to bring their children to VBS. Utilizing a Western theme, the sanctuary was converted into a western world. A key ministry director took on the responsibility, and Rev. Cilento was excited to have the VBS leadership placed in her capable hands. A local business donated the use, setup and teardown of a large tent to house a space for outdoor activities. Throughout the duration of VBS, congregants who could not show up and help in person spent time praying for the kids and teenagers there. By the end of the week, seven children and one teenager gave their lives to Jesus!
In addition to the salvations, Ashland has now gained three great families from their men’s ministry and VBS. The excitement in the church has also increased. After each “celebration of Jesus,” which is what Rev. Cilento has begun calling their church services, people will remain to talk for multiple hours. Rev. Cilento knows that “it is a God thing. I am on the receiving end of some privileges.”
Ashland and Rev. Cilento are not standing still but are continuing to press forward. They have building plans to add an educational wing which will be extended off the present building. An architect had begun attending the church, and she has drawn up the plans for the new addition. Having just started their building fund a few weeks ago, nearly $30,000 had already been raised.
Rev. Cilento is quick to recognize the help and support from the district, saying, “One thing that really helped was that the DS was 100% behind us. That has made all the difference in the world. His counsel has been invaluable to us. He is a real cheerleader for this church.”
He is also eager to praise God, knowing that “God has been working for a long time, leading us moment by moment to make needed change that HE had for us.”
Rev. Jacob Gibson is the senior pastor at LifeSpring Wesleyan Church, Richmond, Indiana, and graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and Wesley Seminary, Marion, Indiana.
